Switching from high school to college can be tough on even the most dedicated students. You go from an atmosphere where your teachers are looking out for you and holding you accountable to a college situation where you’re on your own and responsible for meeting those deadlines without any hand holding.

How can you make this transition easier? How can you ensure that you’ll be successful in college while taking control of your own independence? Here are some tips that will make the transition from high school to college a little smoother and more enjoyable.

Get Used to Using a Planner

Whether you choose to use a paper planner or a digital one, you need some sort of method of keeping track of your assignments, classes, extracurriculars, and more. If you can, start using a planner during your senior year of high school so that by the time you start college, you have your methods down. This is the easiest way to avoid missing deadlines and other important things.

Plan Your College Schedule Wisely

Although some experts say that you should get your general education courses done and out of the way during your first two years of college, this isn’t actually true. In fact, taking only gen eds is a good way to get bored and not feel as though college is really right for you. While you do need to get those courses out of the way, you have four years to do so. It’s best if you mix things up a bit. Each semester, take a few gen eds and fill in the rest of your schedule with courses related to your major. This way, you’ll get to enjoy the courses that cover the information that you’re really in college to learn about.

Be Prepared to Blend In

Many high school students who are at the top of their class or stand out in some way, as writers, actors, journalists, or for any other talent, will notice that things aren’t the same when they get to college. It’s easy for those former standouts to become disillusioned in college because they’re used to the constant accolades, which isn’t usually the case in college. By mentally preparing yourself for this prior to entering college, the situation will feel less extreme, and you’ll find other ways to stand out (in a good way).

Allow Yourself Some Freedom to Explore Academically

It’s easy for high schoolers to feel as though they’ve been typecast. If you’ve been told your whole life that you’re destined to be a writer or a singer, then you probably haven’t explored any other options. This is what college is for. Enjoy those gen eds and take a course or two outside of your major field. You might discover that your passions lie elsewhere.

Consider Dean College

High school students who want to attend college should put Dean College on their list of schools to visit. We offer many different majors and as many activities as a larger school, but with the feel and personalized approach of a smaller one. We’re here to help you enjoy your collegiate experience.